My big, gay Christmas wedding

It’s a famously romantic time of year to propose or get wed says Gemma Rose

Christmas is almost upon us but some of us have another big day
in mind too. Christmas weddings are on the increase and it's easy
to understand why. What could be more romantic than walks in the
snow, open log fires, woolly jumpers and lots of sparkle? Proposals
and civil partnerships, dresses and bow ties - is winter becoming
the new summer?

DIVA reader, Emma Plant, planned her special day with partner,
Lyndsey, for the memorable date 12/12/12. She said: "It is the last
repeat day we will ever see… I think that's pretty special! I'm
awful with dates so it will hopefully stick in my head." Lyndsey
proposed on a weekend mini-break in Devon, halfway up a cliff at
sunset.

The couple's ceremony was held in Gloucestershire, with Emma
wearing a navy suit, white brogues, and a bow tie to quirk up the
look. When we spoke, shortly before the event, she was still
totally in the dark with regards to Lyndsey's dress.

Emma and Lyndsey celebrated with an intimate ceremony with just
20 close friends and family. Despite their big day taking place in
pretty much the middle of the festive period, for Emma it wasn't
about Christmas. "I decided on a winter wedding as we wanted the
date. The only bit that is Christmas-themed is that the hotel will
be dressed for Christmas, so open log fires will be keeping us
warm!"

DIVA Facebook follower Sally also booked her wedding for the 21
of this month and told us: "[I have] never been so happy!!"

A Christmas proposal is romantic to the point of cliche, but not
everyone would be thrilled to receive one. Liza tweeted:"I
think people should get engaged on a random day otherwise it just
seems they ran out of ideas for presents."

Sadly, Beverley responded to DIVA's Christmas weddings post on
Facebook with: "I wish. No point until the federal government are
on my side too." We know a lot of DIVA readers around the world
still don't have the option to get hitched - whether in a civil
partnership or equal marriage. Are people in the UK LGBT community
putting off the big day until the law supports equal marriage?
Perhaps so, but we've got our fingers, toes and everything else
crossed that things will change in 2013, thanks to the government's
recently announced same-sex marriage bill.

Not found 'the one' yet? Don't panic - Sleaze Queen is waiting
for you on Twitter. "Cheer up a lonely singleton in time for
xmas??? Hot date, all exps paid? ;)"

There we go, sorted!

And to anyone tying the knot this Christmas - congratulations
from everyone at DIVA, and to the rest of you, Merry
Christmas!